This volume presents a comprehensive analysis of global future scenarios
and their impact on a growing, shared culture. Ever since the end of the
Cold War, a diverse range of future concepts has emerged in various
areas of academia-and even in popular journalism. A number of these key
concepts-'the end of history, ' 'the clash of civilizations, ' 'the
coming anarchy, ' 'the world is flat, ' 'soft power, ' 'the
post-American century'-suggest what could become characteristic of this
new, interconnected world. Ulf Hannerz scrutinizes these ideas,
considers their legacy, and suggests further dialogue between authors of
the 'American scenario' and commentators elsewhere.